17 minute read
WEDDINGS A selection of the best local wedding venues.
Lincolnshire’s Finest WEDDING VENUES
The backdrop to a beautiful local wedding is a stunning wedding venue. Here, we’re profiling a few of the most beautiful and versatile ceremony or reception venues across the county which will allow you to create your perfect wedding...
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Words: Rob Davis.
1. Belvoir Castle
The ancestral home of the Duke of Rutland...
Grantham’s Belvoir Castle provides probably the most dramatic backdrop for your wedding the Vale of Belvoir has to offer. Its beauty and practicality go beyond its crenellated spires though, with a family chapel for up to 80 guests, and the Duke’s private Chaplain on hand to help you plan your ceremony. Your wedding reception can take place in the Guardroom – where 100 guests can admire the dazzling array of swords and muskets – or in the Ballroom with its floor to ceiling stained glass windows and gothic archways modelled on Lincoln Cathedral, whilst the State Dining Room is ideal for your wedding breakfast. n Belvoir NG32 1PE. Call 01476 871001 or see www.belvoircastle.com.
2. Lincoln Cathedral
Marry in the county’s most iconic landmark
3. The Petwood Hotel, Woodhall Spa
A wedding at the pretty Edwardian hotel in Woodhall Spa will always be stylish and memorable...
The Petwood Hotel in Woodhall Spa is synonymous with Edwardian style and elegance, providing 30 acres of romantic, beautifully landscaped grounds in which to plan a very individual wedding of any size and style. “We have a range of elegant ceremony and reception rooms to suit wedding parties of all sizes,” says the hotel’s Emma Brealey. “For weddings up to 30 people, our Garden Room is perfect and opens onto our awardwinning Peto gardens. For weddings of up to 150 guests, the larger setting of the Woodland Suite is ideal with its own private bar and terrace area leading onto the gardens. For those seeking an outdoor wedding, host your ceremony in the Temple Garden with its beautiful vistas.” “We have a lovely selection of menus to choose from for your wedding breakfast (so-called as it is your first meal together as a married couple). From three courses or more to afternoon tea menus, we will work with you to create a menu that fits your vision of the day.” “We are delighted to recommend singers and musicians to fit with your wedding theme. From harpists, pianists and classical musicians to soloists, themed duos, bands and DJs. We can connect you with the musical accompanists of your choice to set an elegant theme to your reception drinks or have the dance floor full in no time.” “Our stunning four poster rooms boast garden views, luxurious free standing baths, fluffy robes and slippers and Penhaligon’s toiletries.” The Petwood Hotel was built in 1905 as a private home and became a hotel in 1933. It retains its connections to Lincolnshire’s 617 Dambusters squadron, having been requisitioned during the war as accommodation for Bomber Command squadrons. Today though, the hotel is more typically favoured by local couples who are creating their own history and planning the perfect wedding.
Where in Lincolnshire could be more impressive than the Cathedral to hold your special day? It’s available for wedding ceremonies, and the new Dean’s Green garden is an impressive and beautifully maintained space for a Champagne reception and for your formal photographs. There are a number of excellent reception venues nearby in uphill Lincoln too. Wedding Receptions Quick Tips
n Stixwould Road, Woodhall Spa LN10 6QG. Call 01526 352411 or see www.petwood.co.uk.
n Lincoln LN2 1PX. Call the Cathedral’s booking coordinator on 01522 561632 or email
bookings@lincolncathedral.com. Your wedding reception should be the first element of your wedding that you book, as doing so will give you the firm date you need to book all of your other elements.
Left: The state dining room of Belvoir Castle, Grantham. Above: Lincoln Cathedral in the city’s Minster Yard. Right: The Petwood Hotel, Woodhall Spa.
4. The Guildhall, Boston
Truly historic with a wealth of history within...
Boston’s Historic Grade I listed Guildhall was built in the 1390s and can now host weddings for couples seeking to hold their wedding ceremony in the heritage-laden Banqueting Hall. “We can accommodate both small and larger wedding parties of up to 100 guests and welcome enquiries and viewings and the opportunity to discuss your day further with you.” “With exclusive access to the entire building, we will look to tailor your booking to create your perfect wedding ceremony setting.” n Guildhall, South St, Boston PE21 6HT. Call 01205 365954, bostonguildhall.co.uk.
5. Mr. Molecey’s Marvellous Mill, Deeping
With 20 acres of spectacular grounds...
The Beautifully Restored Grade II listed Granary and Molecey Mill at Deeping is an adaptable and beautiful setting for weddings. Set in 20 acres of mature, established gardens and with rivers and streams everywhere, this is an idyllic setting for any event. Whether you’re looking for a riverside picnic and an outdoor ceremony, or a wedding in a marquee or tipi, The Granary team has the creative flair, expertise and contacts to help you plan your perfect day. When it’s all over, a one bedroomed self-contained riverside retreat, The Duck House, is a beautiful place to wake up as husband & wife! n West Deeping PE6 9JD. Call 07855 242356, or see www.moleceyestates.com. 6. Howell Manor Bespoke Events, near Sleaford As well as rustic receptions, Howell Manor’s estate also includes the Saxon Church of St Oswolds Not only a wedding venue, but a working farm however you see fit. You can set up garden too, set amongst 500 acres of arable farmland games, create rustic seating from bales of hay, which has been in the Sardeson family for string up bunting and fairy lights, position many generations. Owner of Howell Manor directive signage, allow your florist to work Bespoke Events, Elaine Sardeson, is also the their magic or simply allow the natural beauty to custodian of the idyllic St Oswalds take centre stage. Call us now for a personal tour Church, situated within the grounds and to plan your bespoke country wedding.”
Wedding Receptions of the farming estate and n Manor Farm, Howell, Sleaford NG34 9PT.
Quick Tips available for your ceremony. “Our Saxon church exudes Call 01529 460267 or find out more online at howell-manor-events.co.uk. history and charm. It’s ideal for Ask your wedding venue if they weddings as you can move have a dedicated wedding seamlessly from your ceremony planner who will act as your into the grounds for celebratory single point of contact drinks before moving into your throughout your wedding marquee or tipi for your reception. planning, minimising Whether it’s bales of hay or a hassle. more formal look you’re seeking, we can provide the space and amenities to really make your dream wedding day a reality.” “The church, can accommodate up to 100 guests... be prepared for a winter wedding by candlelight as it has no electricity supply! “In front of our family home we can create a reception with your choice of elegant marquee or quirky tipi. Our spacious farmyard is the perfect location for guest parking and the Top/Right: Howell Manor Bespoke Events’ St Oswolds Church and a reception in its marquee. Right image by surrounding rustic barns are there for you to use Vicki Head Photography; www.vickihead.com.
CREATING A WINNING WEDDING
1. Set the Date
Your entire wedding planning orbits around the date you set. Start with booking your reception, and you’ll be able to confirm the availability of all of your other wedding suppliers from there.
2. Decide Numbers
Next comes the numbers. The reception is the most expensive element of your day, so determining numbers will enable you to set and monitor your wedding budget accordingly. Decide how many people will attend during the day and in the evening, then you can plan catering.
3. Create a Table Plan
Now you’ve a good idea of how many people will attend the wedding, you can also create the table layout for your wedding reception.
4. Venue Decoration
Next comes chair covers, flowers for the tables, and wedding favours. You can also use the opportunity to work out where you’ll put the table plan and ask your stationery suppliers to create something to reflect that, as well as commissioning place cards for each table.
5. The Children
To ensure that they’re occupied during the reception – especially the speeches – make plans to keep youngsters busy. You can create party bags with colouring books, quiet activities or other items that will be well received by children but will also keep them quiet and prevent them from getting restless too.
5. Helpful Extras
Depending on when you’ll be hosting your wedding, why not have a basket of disposable slippers for tired feet, personalised umbrellas or sparklers available for guests... the latter will look great in photos too! n
7. The Poachers Country House Hotel, Boston...
The Poachers is one of three Green Welly Inns, venues, providing stylish places for your wedding
Green Welly Inns is a trio of country inns near Boston comprising Hotel Supreme at Bicker, The Red Lion pub restaurant, and The Poachers Country Hotel. The latter is especially popular as a wedding venue, with 14 beautiful bedrooms, a garden house marquee and secluded gardens for photographs, and wedding breakfasts.” “With exclusive hire, a personal wedding planner and bespoke wedding packages, it’s the ideal venue to design and create your country wedding, with everything from bespoke menus to a resident DJ.” “As a family-run business, we lovingly care for our venue and it is beautifully decorated throughout; guests cannot help but be charmed by the warm, rustic, luxury feel,” says Rebecca Duffy. “We realise that every couple is unique and we want each wedding to be as individual as you are as a couple.” “In order to cater for all budgets and tastes, the experiences we provide are tailored to your needs; we don’t like ‘one-size-fits-all’ weddings.” “Our contemporary function suite provides the ultimate backdrop for weddings of varying sizes, seating up to 110 people for formal dining and hosting evening receptions for 200.” “With a picture-perfect setting and state-of-theart fibre-optic star lighting and starlight backdrop for top table, we can give your wedding day a magnificent atmosphere. Our garden house marquee leads onto a beautiful enclosed landscaped garden.” The Poachers’ own personal wedding planner can offering a wealth of knowledge and wedding trend ideas, whether you’re seeking a reception only or a reception with a wedding ceremony too. n Swineshead Road, Kirton Holme, Boston PE20 1SQ. Call 01205 290310 or see www.poachershotel.co.uk.
9. Lincoln Castle
Celebrate your marriage at Lincoln Castle...
Not just an historic landmark, but one that has available for your wedding since 2017 when the first wedding took place. “We’re an exclusive venue with a magnificent backdrop to your intimate and exclusive wedding reception,” says Kimberley Vickers, Castle Manager. “Lincoln Castle is a stone’s throw from the Cathedral, making it an iconic setting for the most memorable wedding. The castle is within a 4.6 acre site and lends itself to host large scale events and a perfect location to celebrate with your family and friends.” “The norman motte and bailey castle creates the perfect backdrop to your dream celebration, whether it is a bohemian tipi theme or a classic white marquee.” n 01522 554559, www.lincolncastle.com.
10. Oaklands Hall Hotel
Victorian country house hotel near Grimsby...
Quintessentially English, Oaklands Hall Hotel in Grimsby was built in 1877 with 46 beautifully appointed bedrooms and five acres of mature, landscaped grounds. The hotel’s executive chef can tailor menus to your exact budgets and tastes, whilst its Churchill Suite, Garden Wedding Receptions Suite and Longs Lounge are all available to create a gorgeous backdrop to your Quick Tips wedding with Victorian style and exceptional service.
8. The Dower House, Woodhall Spa
A delightful setting and a stunning backdrop for your photographs...
Woodhall Spa’s Dower House was built in 1905 and refurbished in 2003, creating a country house hotel ideal for weddings. It’s located within two acres of grounds and now provides three wedding packages which can be further tailored to suit the style and scale of the wedding you’d like to create. The Orchard Room can accommodate 120 people, and The Oak Room can accommodate 80 guests, whilst the Garden Room can accommodate up to 30, ideal for more intimate weddings. One of the most popular features of the hotel for couples planning their wedding is the mature landscaped grounds, and the weeping willow in the grounds creates a lovely backdrop for wedding ceremonies with up to 120 guests. The stone folly in the grounds is ideal for photography, and in the cooler months there’s also a beautiful fireplace in the Garden Room. Online you’ll find menus, packages, prices and everything else you’ll need to plan your day.
Make sure you have ‘goody bags’ for children at your wedding, keeping them entertained whilst the grown-ups socialise, and enjoy a leisurely wedding breakfast and speeches.
n The Dower House Hotel, Manor Estate, Woodhall Spa LN10 6PY. Call 01526 352588 or see www.dowerhousehotel.co.uk.
Top: The Dower House Hotel was built in 1905 and refurbished in 2003 creating a country house wedding venue either in the hotel or using its beautiful mature grounds. Above/Right: A ceremony held at Oaklands Hall Hotel, near Grimsby. n Oaklands Hall Hotel Laceby, Grimsby DN37 7LF. Call 01472 872248, or see www.oaklandshallhotel.co.uk.
11. Allington Manor
Grade II* listed and dating back to 1450...
Few buildings have quite the charm and character of Allington Manor, the Grade II* listed Jacobean country house located in the village of Allington and managed by Leo Vincent and family. “Allington Manor is a unique venue for civil weddings, partnerships and receptions,” says Leo. “The stunning house and beautiful garden provide a grand setting for a relaxed and 12. Harlaxton Manor at Harlaxton, near Grantham intimate celebration. With high ceilings and A stunning mansion near Grantham with incredible grounds and magnificent state rooms... open fires, The Hall and Drawing Room offer an impressive location for your ceremony.” “Our team has the experience to ensure that you Harlaxton Manor was built in the 1830s for co-ordinator to ensure that your day runs will soak up the atmosphere of our home with Gregory Gregory, a wealthy Nottinghamshire seamlessly and according to plan.” your close friends and family throughout your businessman, to replace the original Elizabethan “Your co-ordinator will provide the personal special day.” Manor House in Harlaxton Village. touch and liaise with you before, during and “With no minimum guest numbers or pre-deter- The house is now owned by the University of after your wedding to ensure you enjoy a mined criteria, we will assist you with your Evansville in the USA, and is used as their British stress-free day. Call us today for a tour of this plans and supervise every aspect of the day from Campus. It is also available as a wedding venue truly stunning building.” beginning to end, ensuring peace of mind to for couples seeking a stunning backdrop to their n Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG32 1AG. relax and enjoy your celebration.” special day. Call 01476 403000 or see www.harlaxton.co.uk. “By restricting the number of weddings we “Few wedding venues in the world can match hold each year to just one per weekend, we the breathtaking approach up to Harlaxton, a ensure our undivided attention is given to each straight, mile-long drive across an ornate ceremony, sparing no effort in our aspirations lakeside bridge, under a gatehouse to the to make your day unforgettable.” towering, fairytale façade that is Harlaxton Manor,” says Andrew Fowler. Allington Manor has six packages that can be “The iconic Manor House offers unparalleledcustomised to your requirement – a Runaway views over the Vale of Belvoir in an Area Bride package for 30 guests at £720; a Weekend of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Charmingly EnCeremony package at £1,320 based on 30 glish, the Manor is the perfect venue for a trulyguests and a midweek Micro Wedding package romantic wedding.”including exclusive use, flowers, cake, evening buffet and three course meal from £6,582. “We can cater for a wide range of weddings –The Ultimate Weekend Wedding package at from an intimate civil ceremony and reception for 30 guests to large evening celebrations for£13,462 provides all of the above and more for over 200 in our magnificent state rooms. up to 60 guests. Naturally we can cater for a range of tastes n The Old Manor House, Allington, and provide an exceptionally high standard of Grantham NG32 2DH. Call 01400 282 574 wedding breakfast menus.” Above: Harlaxton Manor’s wood-lined ceremony hall or see www.allingtonmanor.co.uk. “When you book your wedding at Harlaxton and the exterior of the Grade I listed mansion. Manor, we will assign you a dedicated wedding Left: Allington Manor, Grantham.
Wedding Receptions Quick Tips Wedding toasts are all about quality over quantity, so ask anyone who’s speaking to make sure their toasts are no more than two minutes in length.
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8 Mum Knows Best
SUPER STYLISH OUTFITS FOR THE MOTHER OF THE BRIDE OR GROOM
1. Ispirato, style ISF910 in mother of pearl also available in Amalfi sky or blossom. 2. Condici, style 71060 in cream and angelite. 3. Condici, style 70877 in pearl ice and almond. 4. John Charles, style 26847. 5. Veni Infantino by Ronald Joyce short fitted dress with matching coat. 6. Lewis Henry, style 245, in turquoise. 7. Linea Rafaelli, style 198 Château De Provence. 8. John Charles, style 26795 seen here in Wedgewood, also available in Blush or Fuchsia. Opposite: Ronald Joyce style 991464 in dusty rose.
Mother of the Bride or Groom Specialists:
Anne Wilkinson, Retford/Lincoln: 01522 526752, annewilkinson.co.uk. Cindy’s Sutton Bridge: 01406 350961, www.cindysfashions.co.uk. Dress Place, Nottingham: 0115 924 6368, www.dressplace.co.uk Jane Young, Lincoln/Newark: 01636 703511, www.jane-young.co.uk. Private Kollection, Market Deeping: 01778 346226, ispirato.co.uk.
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